Checklist: Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Good Leader

According to the general Douglas MacArthur, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

Good leadership is critical for the survival and growth of your business. Do you think you have what it takes yourself to be a good leader? Ask yourself the below questions to assess your strengths and areas of improvements, in the top five skills than any great leader should have. Be honest!

Are you…

Intuitive, innovative and strategic?

• Are you considered ahead of your time?
• Are you good at anticipating potential challenges or opportunities?
• Do you champion change?
• Do you embrace creativity and innovation?
• Are you driven by results?
• Are you known for making sound and timely decisions?
• Are you able to solve problems effectively?

An effective communicator and influencer?

• Are you a good communicator?
• Do people understand and adopt your vision?
• Are you good at keeping your team informed of what’s going on around?
• Are you good at building partnerships and relationships?
• Do you connect well with people?

Inspirational and motivational?

• Do other people follow your advice?
• Do other people trust what you tell them?
• Do you know yourself and seek self-improvement?
• Do people value your success, tactical and technical experience?
• Are you known for your confidence and positive attitude?
• Do you seek responsibilities and take responsibilities for your decisions and actions?
• Are you perceived as unselfish?
• Are you known for your courage?
• Do you have a communicative enthusiasm?
• Are you known for your resilience and endurance?

Integrous, authentic and honest?

• Do you value integrity, honesty and authenticity?
• Are you comfortable leading by example?
• Are you consistent in your actions and behavior?
• Are you fair and impartial?
• Are you willing to stand by your team when time gets tough?
• Are you known for your loyalty to your company?

Able to delegate and develop others?

• Are you successful at spotting and retaining top talents?
• Do you know what your team is capable of?
• Do you have a strong belief in your team to achieve the team’s tasks?
• Do you know when to assign work to others that does not need to be done solely by you?
• Are you good at listening to others’ ideas and opinions?
• Do you attribute success to the team rather than self?

For more resources:

• Eric de Nijs, ‘GRACE at work, a model for transformational workplace relationships’, Choice: the Magazine of Professional Coaching, April 2012. GRACE at work stands for Goodwill, Results, Authenticity, Connectivity, and Empowerment.
• Set goals for your business
• Handling problems and ‘Quick tips for dealing with setbacks and common business problems’
• Innovate and foster a culture of innovation in your company
• Managing change
• Communicate more effectively
• Motivate people
• Learn how to delegate effectively
• Build and develop a productive team
• Do you have what it takes? Top 15 characteristics of a successful entrepreneur